CTAbdomenIntroductory

Acute appendicitis

abdomengastrointestinalinflammationright iliac fossaemergencyultrasound

Clinical presentation

Young patient with periumbilical pain migrating to the right iliac fossa, anorexia, low-grade fever and a raised white cell count.

Key imaging findings

  • Dilated appendix > 6 mm with wall thickening and enhancement
  • Periappendiceal fat stranding and free fluid
  • Appendicolith may be present
  • Non-compressible blind-ending tubular structure on ultrasound

Form your diagnosis, then reveal the answer.

Educational teaching content only. Imaging appearances vary; always correlate clinically and confirm with a qualified radiologist.